Welcome Back

B'grave Square
April 5th 1852



I never imagined I would say this but Villiers is back from the country and I am particularly relieved to see him. I had not realised quite how solitary my days had become with Josiah working so hard, but the Butler's presence back in the Square, with his chattering and carping all day has been a welcome change from my own company. He tells us that the Hall is well cared for and that Mrs Everdown is proving to be a surprisingly loyal and competent woman. She is coping well with the kitchens and has closed off most of the other rooms to prevent light and damp damage. It is a level of maintenance that Cook never mastered, I am forced to admit.

Villiers was especially complimentary about the work undertaken by Jennet in the grounds. Jennet is a man with great empathy for the flora and fauna surrounding our home, Villiers assures me. He had met a man in the village who recently spent time in China, of all places, and he introduced Jennet to some strange new theory about placing and prosperity. I am too much of a goose to grasp the details fully, but it seems that Jennet has spent much of his time this Spring rearranging the shrubberies to allow wealth to enter our gardens. Villiers was keen to tell me how much he had been helping Jennet amongst the greenery and I rather think I detected a note of melancholy at having to leave him behind. I reassured him it would not be long before we were back there. Josiah showed interest at the thought that moving the furniture might make us rich and will no doubt be rearranging Blindingham the moment we are home. I suppose the theory would not work for us in rented rooms.

I heard Josiah telling Villiers about my sighting of the Girl. Josiah had said I must have been mistaken and even went to his associate's house to make sure she was performing her duties appropriately. He said all was as it should be, but I am still unsure. Villiers squealed a little when he heard my story - how I have missed his peculiar little noises and hand waving - and I heard him tell Josiah that he would go to see the Girl himself to make sure she was fully aware of her reponsibilities. As I say, I am glad he is here, even if he takes some managing.

Unconfirmed sighting

My Dear Boo,

May I call on you straight away? I am quite put about by something that has just happened and cannot sit in my own rooms for another minute. If you do not send word straight back I shall most probably go on the Heath. I dislike the Heath for many reasons but it will be diverting, I suppose. Please let me come to you instead.

Do you remember me telling you about the Girl being on loan to one of Josiah's associates while we are in Town? I had almost forgotten about her, save for wondering whether she will be free to return to Blindingham with us when we leave, but I am convinced I have just seen her in the Square - she and her bastard child! She was not dressed in servant's clothes at all - she had on a thick cloak over a muslin dress from this very season - and she was walking quite proudly as if she were the finest of ladies. She was pushing a perambulator with a child in it who was easily the same age as your own dear LB. I threw open the window and called to her but just as I did so she quickened her pace and was gone before she could have heard me. Who was that boy, if not her own? Why was she so well clothed and what was she doing in the middle of the day when she should have been at work?

I do not wish to trust my eyes, Boo, but I am sure it was her. Mrs Everdown has not mentioned the child in her letters from Blindingham so I supposed her ridiculous daughter was looking after him (a fate I would wish on no-one, not even him). I must inform Josiah as soon as I see him tonight. The Girl was sent to his friend's employ at short notice, after he lost his wife. I think it highly likely of her to have taken advantage of his evident vulnerability.

I simply must leave the house now, Boo, or I will run mad. I shall wait on the step for your reply and if nothing comes after an hour I shall make for the Heath.

Yrs

E x

Wild Goose

B'grave Square
March 11th 1852

I have spent the most vexing day. Josiah did not come home last night - I confess I could not remember what his plans were and I waited in the hall downstairs until 11 o'clock but the Waterhouses had clearly claimed him once again. This morning I asked the servants to pack me a picnic hamper and I set out to find him at work. I decided to walk as I find exercise helps me to straighten my thoughts - the carriage drivers here in London are bent on killing their passengers I fear, since even the shortest journey in one is enough to rattle my brain clean from my head.

I had a map of sorts and the address of my destination and was terribly excited at the prospect of sweeping into Josiah's office to present him with a fine luncheon.

But I am such a dolt that I simply could not find where he works. Josiah clearly told me his factory was situated on Overend Arch, but the map I had made no mention of such a place.

I finally reached a street called Overend Walk, in an area they refer to as Hoxton, but when I found the number he had given me - number 42 - it was not a factory at all! Not the imposing building full of industry I had been expecting, instead it was a baker's shop. And it was closed.

Having no means of contacting Josiah, or any of his associates, I could do nothing but retrace my steps towards the Square. I did approach a lady in a nearby street but she could not help me at all. She knew of no workplaces that might house a team of engineers and even said she had never heard of the street name I had been given.

So, after six hours of walking I was back at Belgrave Square, still with my hamper full of food. I am so disappointed. I shall not tell Josiah of my adventure this evening - I feel too silly and tired.

Missing Men

B'grave Square
March 10th 1852

I told Boo about Papa's mysterious desire to see how the girls are working at the Press. She said she thought his actions were entirely understandable and that I should be pleased he was showing such a keen interest in our charitable work. A wealthy widower who has no need of employment but wishes to spend time helping to save the fallen is a man to be respected, she told me, and I must not be concerned any further. Apparently, his instruction that I should not go with him was born of concern for my health - it is a long walk from here - and a wish that I might not be burdened with his company overmuch. She made me feel quite guilty for being so upset with his treatment of me.

So, I shall think no more of it. Boo is right to say that I would not enjoy spending a good deal of time with him - he is an exacting companion and an hour in his company leaves me feeling in need of a nap. I am resigned, then. He must visit the Press as often as he likes - but alone!

Josiah is so busy with his winding engines project that I have hardly seen him for days. I need to discuss Blindingham matters with him, so if he is at the Waterhouse's again tonight I may have to seek him out tomorrow at his place of work. I must look for that note he wrote to me with the address of the factory. Now that he is a successful entrepreneur I can present myself at his offices and introduce myself to his workers. I shall play the businessman's wife and be gracious with them all and tell them how hard they are working and how much Josiah values them. They will be pleased to think that I have taken time to speak to them. I am giddy at the prospect now that I have thought of it!

Papa's Strange Request

Boo!

I have had the most extraordinary exchange with Papa and I must share it with you. I wonder whether you will make more sense of it than I could. I shall record it here exactly as it unfolded, since I am unable to interpret it with any clarity.....

Papa: "Euphemia, I have a request to make of you which I trust you will indulge."

(He only calls me Euphemia when he is cross with me, Boo, so you can imagine my consternation at his opening address.)

Me: "Of course, Papa, I shall be happy to undertake any course of action you require of me"

(I decided to respond with as much dignity as I could, although I was really quite unsettled by now.)

Papa: "I wish you to introduce me to the Lady who runs your publishing house."

Me: "Mrs Doughty?"

Papa: "If that is her name, then yes, Mrs Doughty."

Me: "I am sure she would be delighted to make your acquaintance, Papa. May I enquire why you would like to meet her?"

Well when I asked him that, Boo, he gave me a very stern look and his mouth began to twitch. He stood up and walked to my window so that the rest of the conversation was conducted with his back to me.

Papa: "Euphemia, I am your father. I do not expect to have to explain myself to you."

Me: "Of course not, Papa, I simply...."

Papa: "Do not interrogate me further! I have asked you to effect an introduction to this Mrs Doughty and I shall conduct the rest of my business directly with her. Now, might I be able to trust that a daughter will respect her father's wishes?"

Me: "Certainly, Papa. I shall send her a note immediately."

Papa: "Thank you. Please be kind enough to impress upon her the urgency of my desire to meet with her."

Me: "I will tell her that, Papa."

Papa: "Excellent. I do not wish you to accompany me when I visit the Press, on that or any other occasion. Indeed I see no reason for you and I to refer to this matter again."

Well, Boo, what do you make of that? He was not cross with me after all, I think, but he was quite distant. Why does he want to meet Mrs Doughty, and alone? Why was he so cold towards me?

Please tell me what your impressions are for I am quite bemused.

Yrs

Effie xx

Dice Man

B'grave Square
February 23rd 1852

I am so happy in these rooms we have been in this Winter. Last year was a little busier, I suppose, with tea parties and the excitement of Boo's baby arriving, but now I feel content just to gaze down on the square from our parlour window for an hour at a time. There are all manner of passers by and I like to amuse myself by speculating about their purpose as they travel from one corner to another. Some of them sweep majestically as if someone's life depended on them, others stroll aimlessly as if they have nowhere special to go. There are some who appear at the same time each day, some who can be relied upon to walk past once a week and still more who wander back and forth. This latter set can walk past our house up to ten times a day! What can they be thinking of?

I am fondest of a little man who dances along with a cheerful wave for everyone he meets. Each person who passes him is rewarded with a wink and a smile and, often, a snatch of a tune he seems to have invented. It is not one I recognise, I am sure. I make a point of noting who waves back and who dismisses him because I have decided that it is the best way of determining someone's character. If my little man is ignored, I take a dislike to the person immediately - and I warm to anyone who answers his twinkle with a likewise wave. After a whole afternoon of watching these exchanges I count up how many responses he has received. If there were more smiles than scowls I will eat cake for supper. And if the scowlers win, I eat thin soup.

I must arrange to see Boo soon. I must discuss Papa's wishes with her. Much as I love these rooms, I do need to be outdoors a little more often.

Positive Thinking

B'grave Square
February 14th 1852



Villiers has sent a note saying he is in control of the situation at home, thank goodness. He is due back here soon, though, since I am still unhappy to walk alone in London. We shall then be dependent on Mrs Everdown and her booby of a daughter to keep the hall standing. Jennet will undertake the basic maintenance work, as usual, but he is a man who likes to take instruction not initiative, I believe. That is a quality often to be found in men who work outdoors I have observed. I should not know what to say to him if we were ever to be together under a roof.

I have spoken to Mrs Doughty and Boo about my schoolmistress idea. They seemed a little vague as to how it might benefit the girls at the Press - I was surprised that they did not leap at the chance to better the staff - so I shall have to devise a more exciting plan.

Papa has told me he is keen to visit the Press. I am unsure how to introduce him, since the venture is supposed to be discreet, but he has been enthused by my description of the arrangements and says he wishes to see at first hand how we set the girls to work. Since he is instrumental in the funding of the Press I suppose I should bend to his wishes. Oh, this business of satisfying benefactors is more taxing than I had thought.

Tenterhooks

B'grave Square
February 10th 1852


I hoped for happy news from home, but it is not to be. Mrs Everdown has written to tell us that Cook has been taken to a sanatorium in Horsham. She was found in the entrance hall in a state of semi-consciousness by Jennet, who had brought up a brace of pheasants for her to prepare. Jennet rode for the doctor, who declared Cook to be parlously undernourished and in need of total bedrest for a month. Josiah has sent Villiers back to see what is to be done with the staff and I am to prepare myself for resumption of my Mistress duties there, he says. I do not wish to go, especially now that I have such responsibilities to my charity, but Blindingham is my home and our fortune. I cannot tell Josiah precisely why I am reluctant to leave London early, so I must hope that Villiers returns with sufficient confidence that I can stay here until our scheduled rustication. Which is not until June, I think.

Paternity suits

B'grave Square
February 4th 1852


My Dear Boo

Wonderful news! Papa has given me his blessing to establish my own private funds so that I can continue the donations to the Press without needing to ask permission from Josiah. He is to set aside a sum within his own accounts that I may draw from at my own discretion. Me!

I did tell Papa that Josiah would be perfectly happy to oversee administration of this account and that he would never deny me access to the funds but Papa was adamant that I should take responsibility for them myself. I know Papa holds Josiah in high regard but he was strangely insistent that he need not be made aware of this arrangement at all. So be it.

My first foray into financial independence, Boo, will be to arrange for a schoolmistress to visit The Press - what do you think? I know the girls there are intelligent and earnest in their desire to learn. They cannot spend the whole time labouring, I am sure.

I shall call a meeting for us to discuss this plan further. Oh, Boo, isn't this exciting? All I wish now is for reassurance that all is peaceful at Blindingham and then I can happily set about this new part of my life.

Kisses to LB and your self,

Effie

x

Paternal Superiority

Boo,

I fear I must postpone our arrangement for tomorrow. Papa is coming up to Town on business and has asked that I make myself available to him in the early part of the afternoon. I really should do his bidding since I have a great favour to ask of him - which I will tell you all about when I see you. Do give my sincere apologies to Mrs Doughty.

Let me know when the Press Ladies are to gather again...

Yrs

Effie x

Blameless

B'Grave Square

January 30th 1852

I thank the Lord for the day Josiah married me! Villiers has swept through these rooms like a whirlwind but still there is no sign of my jewel case. I had wanted to keep this misplacement a secret from Josiah - although I abhor deception of any kind - but when he came home from the Waterhouse's at 10 am this morning he only had to look at my face to see my distress. I threw myself at his feet and promised him that I had not been careless with my jewellery. I wept a few tears as I told him of the quest I had set for Villiers and I promised I would do all I could to recover the case.

To my eternal gratitude, and indeed surprise, I was rewarded with the utmost patience from my darling husband.

He told me he simply knew that the loss of my jewels could not be my fault and that he would not blame me for a moment if they were never to come to light again. How that man tolerates my weakness I do not know. I only know that he does not hold me responsible and that I love him all the more for it.

He did suggest I write to Papa with the news, though. I am reluctant to confess to him that I no longer know the whereabouts of Mama's precious bequest, but Josiah assured me that Papa would not wish me to go abroad with no finery at all about me and that there may be some pieces of Mama's still kept at home. I suppose he may be right. I shall draw up all my courage this evening and ask if Papa can help me in my time of need. How thoughtful my husband is and how blessed I am to be his wife.